San Francisco:
Marriage Equality in Pictures

On June 17, 2008, gay and lesbian couples fled to San Francisco's City Hall to celebrate their newfound right to marry. Some wore suits and silk ties or satin dresses and Hawaiian leis, while others sported signs and flags, but however they were adorned, they all combined to create a day filled with jubilation and matrimony.

Bob Sodervick waves the gay pride flag in front of San Francisco's City Hall just before the doors open at 8 a.m. Security at City Hall opens the doors to an onslaught of couples and journalists. John Lewis (left) and Stewart Gaffney (right) are the first couple to get married on Tuesday, June 17th, 2008.

Advocate reporter Sue Rochman in a one-on-one interview with San Francisco's Mayor Gavin Newsom in his office at city hall.

On June 17, 2008, gay and lesbian couples fled to San Francisco's City Hall to celebrate their newfound right to marry. Some wore suits and silk ties or satin dresses and Hawaiian leis, while others sported signs and flags, but however they were adorned, they all combined to create a day filled with jubilation and matrimony.

Ariel Owens (left) and Joseph Barham show off their "Just Married" signs after exchanging wedding vows in front of a media frenzy at City Hall in San Francisco.

Carola Detrick(left) and Lynda Gence walk arm in arm out of City Hall to a round of applause after receiving their marriage license.

John Lewis (low) and Stewart Gaffney (top) exchange their vows in front of dozens of journalist at San Francisco's City Hall.

Lia Shigegmura (left) and Helen Zia fill out the forms at City Hall.

A couple says "I Do" at the top of City Hall.

On June 17, 2008, gay and lesbian couples fled to San Francisco's City Hall to celebrate their newfound right to marry. Some wore suits and silk ties or satin dresses and Hawaiian leis, while others sported signs and flags, but however they were adorned, they all combined to create a day filled with jubilation and matrimony.

Celebrating in the glow of camera lights.

A flower girl looks on as a happy couple is wed.

David Bowers(left) and Bruce Ivie pose for pictures. The newlyweds have been together for 27 years.

Anthony Lopez (left) and Manuel Quijano, owners of the gay bar Este Noche, seal their vows with a kiss. The couple have been together for 27 years.